Aspirin
Also known as: Disprin, Nu-Seals
What it's for
Aspirin in low doses helps prevent blood clots, reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Higher doses can relieve pain and reduce fever. It is also an anti-inflammatory.
Comes as: Tablets (including dispersible and enteric-coated)
How to take it
- For heart protection: Usually 75mg once a day.
- For pain relief: 300mg to 900mg every 4 to 6 hours. Maximum 4g in 24 hours.
- Take with or after food to protect your stomach.
- Dispersible tablets should be dissolved in water.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Feeling sick
- Bruising more easily
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Not suitable for children under 16 (risk of Reye's syndrome)
- Do not take if you have a stomach ulcer or bleeding disorder
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma - aspirin can trigger attacks
- Avoid if pregnant, especially in the last 3 months
Get medical help urgently if…
- You vomit blood or have black, tarry stools
- You have severe stomach pain
- You have difficulty breathing or wheezing
- You have unusual bleeding or bruising
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.